Monday, December 05, 2005

Goodwill offer for speeders...Another No Campaign Victory

Asking the Police to conduct investigations correctly is not a 'goodwill' gesture! As for Northumbria Police Federation Chairman, Alan Arkley's statements that he hopes it doesn't place an extra burden on the Police...well what an arrogant attitude to have towards justice.Police promise checks before prosecutionThe Newcastle JournalSaturday, December 3, 2005by Ross Smithross.smith@ncjmedia.co.uk

Police last night promised extra checks to trace drivers after being forced to withdraw a case brought against a motorist without his knowledge.

Political campaigner Neil Herron found a £120 fine outstanding on his driving licence when it was replaced after he moved house last year.

The Sunderland activist's new documents from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, were delayed after a mix-up. Meanwhile, his car had reportedly been photographed breaking the 30mph speed limit on the A692 in Gateshead in October last year and a fine sent to his old address. When he did not repond to two letters, he was prosecuted at Bedlington Magistrates' Court in his absence for failing to give information.

But none of this was known to Mr Herron until the new documents arrived at his present home in The Westlands last August. He successfully fought his conviction and was awarded costs. Mr Herron complained that no-one had called at the house or phoned to check if he was still lived there.

Now the force has agreed to do more in similar cases in the future.

A spokesman said: "The law does not require the police to make such checks. However, Northumbria Police has recognised that there will be cases which are exceptional on their facts."Therefore, as a matter of goodwill, in order to identify an exceptional case, Northumbria Police has built in additional inquiries where appropriate prior to raising a sumons."

Mr Herron said: "This was a massive injustice in the first case to take anyone to court without informing them. No-one will be treated in such an unfair way again. Hats off to Northumbria Police for having the humility to accept they were wrong."

The force says another 8,753 people were prosecuted for failing to provide information in the past three years.

Northumbria Police Federation chairman Alan Arkley said: "I would hope this would not put an extra burden on officers."